Q: Does the membership run a calendar year (January thru December) or from the date of purchase?

A: A membership is good for one full year from the date of purchase.

Q: May I put my membership on hold?

A: No, memberships become active immediately upon purchase and cannot be suspended.

Q: May I use my membership for special ticketed events, like Zoo Boo?

A: No, special ticketed events like Zoo Boo, Brew at the Zoo, and Pancakes with Parrots are additional fundraisers for the zoo and memberships, coupons, and free passes are not applicable towards admission.

Q: How many cards are included with my membership?

A: The Zoo issues two cards with each membership. You need only present one card at Admissions with photo I.D. to enter.

Q: Who can use my membership?

A: The named adults on the card- who live at the same address- may use a membership. If it's a family or grandparent membership, it also covers the number of their own children or grandchildren age 17 and under, as indicated on the membership card. Adults must present a photo I.D. along with their membership card at the Admission booth.

Q: I have a membership with Add-A-Guest. Can a guest use my membership without me?

A: Add-a-Guest does not allow a non-member to come without the members named on the card. It does not allow a non-member to bring the member’s children or grandchildren. One of the adults named on the card must be present for a non-member guest to be covered. Add-a-Guest does not add a name to the member card; neither does it replace a member name on the member card. Add-a-Guest does not mean an adult in a different household can have their name listed on the card.

We do not allow more than one Add-a-Guest per membership.

Q: How can I replace a lost/stolen membership card?

A: A replacement card costs $3. You may order with credit card by phone at (989) 759-1408 or visit the Admission Booth. You will receive your replacement card via mail within three to four weeks. You may visit the Zoo in the meantime by presenting your photo I.D. at the membership booth, where you will be issued a day pass.

Q: I am a single parent with one child. Can I purchase a Dual Membership instead of a Family Membership?

A: Dual membership is for two adults in the same household. It is not for an adult and a child. If an adult wants a membership that will cover them and one child, they need to sign up for Family (or Grandparents) for $75 or Individual Add-a-Guest for $60.

Q: If I forget to bring my membership card, can I still visit the Zoo for free?

A: Yes! Just bring your photo I.D. to the Admissions booth to verify your status. You will be issued a day pass valid for free admission for all those eligible under your membership category. This day pass will also entitle you to a 10% discount in the Zoo Store as well as unlimited rides on the Train and Carousel.

Q: Why do I have to show a photo I.D. when I use my membership card to enter the Zoo?

A: To prevent misuse of membership cards, we require that one adult cardholder present photo I.D. upon entering the Zoo. As a non-profit organization, we rely on membership dues for much of our support. If memberships were shared by families and neighbors our revenue would be severely reduced. We also want to protect our members should their cards be lost or stolen. It is important that we keep the benefits of membership reserved for those who are supporting the Zoo through membership.

Q: Does my membership allow admission to other Zoos and Aquariums?

A: Over 150 other Zoos and Aquariums across the country reciprocate membership with Children's Zoo members. By showing your membership card and photo I.D., you will receive either free or discounted admission, and sometimes, other discounts as well. As reciprocating zoos reserve the right to change reciprocal status at any time, please call the zoo you plan to visit ahead of time to verify reciprocity.

Q: If I decide to join after my visit, can I apply the cost of my admission tickets towards my membership?

A: Yes, but you must purchase your membership on the same day that you paid admission. Please note that only those individuals covered by the level of membership you purchase will have their admissions applied to the cost of the membership.

Q: Can a Family or Grandparent membership have Add-a-Guest and Add-a-Caregiver?

A: Yes. The caregiver will be able to bring the card without the other named adults, but the Add-a-Guest must accompany a named member on the card.

Q: What is the difference between Add-a-Guest and Add-a-Caregiver?

A: Add-a-Guest allows the named adults on the membership to bring one extra person, adult or child, each time they visit the Zoo; it does not allow the Add-a-Guest to visit without a named member on the membership. It can be a different person each time since the guest is not named on the card.

Add-a-Caregiver is a named adult added to your membership who does not have to live in the same household as the other named adults. Add-a-Caregiver may bring the membership without the other named adults and must show photo I.D. to visit the Zoo.

Q: Can a Caregiver bring a guest?

A: Yes. The caregiver can bring one guest with them if the card has the Add-a-Guest option. If the caregiver brings additional children or another adult and the membership does not have Add-a-Guest, all additional guests not covered on the membership or not covered by Add-a-Guest will need to pay admission and purchase ride tickets.